POLICE investigating the rape of a 21-year-old woman say private security cameras could provide vital clues.

The woman was forced to the ground and raped at about 2.30am on Sunday as she walked home from The Trades nightclub, in Consett, County Durham.

Officers are checking footage from local authority cameras but want to hear from anyone who has security tapes in the area.

Detective Inspector Mick Nail, who is leading the inquiry, said last night: "There are several hundred homes in Park Road, Durham Road, Ainsley Terrace, Dixon Street, Clarence Gardens and Laburnum Avenue and some have hidden security cameras inside properties that pick up images from outside."

Police also want to speak to a woman and nine youths who were in the area at the time.

The woman is in her 20s and was wearing a light-coloured coat and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365 or 0800 555 111.